Let's talk MotoGP: Why Marc Márquez must change

Since the Aragón Grand Prix, the Márquez case has been a hot topic. Sometimes brilliant, sometimes down, the Spanish genius leaves no one indifferent. Moreover, many consider him to be one of the three best on the grid, he who rides with the least efficient bike on the grid. However, he must change his approach. Analysis.

I) Why do it?

Marc is a legend, that's not a debate. He is definitely among the elite, and the purpose of this article is not to give him advice; only he knows what is good for him. This is simply an observation based on the analysis of statistics and the verdict rendered by the track.

Even before the start of hostilities on the Ricardo Tormo, the eight-time world champion announced the color: “I will take risks in my home race” he declared. But why ? What purpose ? That's the whole question, and we don't have the answer. So certainly, as a great champion, he undoubtedly wanted to do well in Spain and perhaps offer success to the winged firm this year.

But Marquez has nothing left to prove! He has already triumphed 12 times on his soil, and will have, in 2023, three opportunities to repeat. There was absolutely nothing at stake in Valencia, other than getting injured and spending another horrible winter. On Sunday, he did exactly what he had planned despite a stubborn RC213V.

 

 

In great difficulty on his machine, he sought to compensate, to force his driving and braking despite his still diminished physique. And sure enough, he fell. There was no reason to do so, and it's not like he was in a battle for victory. Indeed, when he stumbled, triumph was already promised to Rins. An approach " all or nothing ", in his own words, which is not the wisdom that a great champion like him should show.

II) It is not necessary

We rented it after Thailand, stipulating that the “new” Márquez was terrifyingly efficient. Indeed, Marc must change his approach because it is no longer necessary to push as much to be world champion, his primary objective.

If we study the races he finished at the end of the season, i.e. four rounds, Márquez turned 13,25 average points. We must take into account the physical challenge that Sepang represented, and that his machine is probably the worst he has ridden since 2013. So, if we count around two to three crashes over a season but more constant results, he does not it's not difficult to imagine it 14,5-15,5 points per race (ppc). As a reminder, he had registered, from 2013 to 2019, 17,74 points in each race on average.

Now, let's study the recent champions. In 2020, Joan Mir only scored 12,21 ppf, while Quartararo pushed until 15,44 ppf. This year, Bagnaia made a mark 13,25. Thus, Marc Márquez is much more terrifying by playing it safe, by calming down his game and developing his runs rather than by attempting to " all or nothing ", a philosophy which already cost him the title in 2015 (the example of Barcelona was glaring).

 

 

By giving 110%, victories are promised to him. He is a fast rider, regardless of the performance of his mount and his state of form. But it is time, in view of recent events and the lessons of history, to think differently. There are many legends who, when they can no longer maintain the speed they had when they were younger, slow down the pace to develop their races more intelligently. The worst part is that the Honda official admitted, on the evening of the Thai Grand Prix, that such a change was necessary: “From my point of view, I have to do races like this now”.

Although it is probably hard to accept, Márquez would be the big winner from such a development. In addition to being dangerous in the general ranking, this would certainly prolong his career, which was threatened three times. Sprint races, which will double the number of starts next year, will further accentuate the phenomenon.

So of course, it is imperative that Honda shows itself in its best light. The brand's state of mind is questionable given the pilots' statements. But to continue to make people dream, Marc must no longer fall back into his faults. If the two come together in 2023, we could well see a resurrection and a ninth pilot title.

Do you think that the philosophy applied at Valencia is still as relevant, after such serious injuries? Tell us in the comments, all will be read and debated!

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport